Inventors:
James Graham - Sun City AZ, US
Jeffrey Reinwand - Collinsville OK, US
Roger Coriell - Tempe AZ, US
Kevin Lytle - Glendale AZ, US
International Classification:
B23P 6/00
US Classification:
029889100, 029888011, 029889700
Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for an adaptive machining and weld repair process useful for repairing airfoils, particularly damage to an airfoil leading edge and tip. The process first machines away damaged portions of an airfoil. Filler material is then added to the machined area through a process such as laser welding. At this point, the actual profile of the welded airfoil is measured using a Coordinate Measuring Machine. This data is then used to generate a “deformation” profile, an airfoil profile that approximates the ideal shape of the airfoil. The airfoil is then machined using the date of the deformation profile to produce that shape. The adaptive technology minimizes the amount of stock on material that needs to be removed by hand. The technique thereby significantly reduces costly manual processing.